The Nevada SCBWI Mentorship Experience- Part I

Motivating. 

Inspiring.

Validating.

That about sums up my Nevada SCBWI Mentorship Experience.

The Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program runs from October through April. I was fortunate to have been selected for the six-month program. As a mentee, my mentor takes me under his wings and shares his expertise to help me become a better writer.

I was over-the-moon when I found out Jim Averbeck would be my mentor. Jim Averbeck is the author of ONE WORD SOPHIA, IN THE BLUE ROOM, and more.

Picture Books by Jim Averbeck:

One Word from Sophia (2015)

The Market Bowl (2013)

Oh No, Little Dragon (2012)

Except If (2011)

In a Blue Room (2008)

Many of you have asked me about the details of my experience so I am sharing it with you today. Here is my story.

THE NEVADA SCBWI MENTORSHIP EXPERIENCE

MY STORY

The Beginning

The kick-off of our mentor program took place in Reno, Nevada. I was nervous about my meeting with Jim. I've seen him on occasion at local and international SCBWI conferences, but that's about it. One time I actually grabbed him without even introducing myself and asked someone to take a photo of us. I'm sure he doesn't remember this. Bold, but worth it.

SCBWI LA, Black and White Ball 2013

I digress…

My first introduction to Jim was a face-to-face critique of my manuscripts. We got down to business quick. The set-up was exactly like the LA SCBWI conference critique where you introduce yourself to your critiquer, shake hands, and wait for them to offer you to take a seat in preparation for the 

leg-shaking, 

             palm-sweating,

                         lip-biting feedback.  

Needless to say, it wasn't that bad. After my meeting with Jim, I stood up and my heart rallied. 

"Let's do this!"

Later, I met the other mentees who have been assigned to Jim. We dubbed ourselves Team Averbeck. Though I secretly wanted to be called the Robins since Jim was our Batman. He's cool like that.

With co-mentees Louise Henriksen and Lisa Crawford

The rest of the kick-off weekend was spent listening to speakers about the craft of writing. 

Being in a room with a select group of aspiring authors made me feel like part of a special forces unit in which only the elite come to train. As a writer whose been through many ups and downs, this experience was validating for me.

The Middle

I felt fortunate in that my mentor happens to live in close proximity to me so we were able to meet in person. It was nice to be able to bounce ideas off each other, clarify a comment, and get a reaction from my mentor.

Jim and I met at a local café overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We sat on comfy sofa-chairs sipping hot lattes- Chai tea latte for me, steamed milk for him. I was in writer's heaven. We engaged in a little small talk and dove right into my manuscript for a productive one hour.

Throughout the course of the mentorship, Jim assigned me a few writing exercises such as writing a letter from my protagonist to my antagonist. The exercises he gave me were so valuable in the construction of my manuscript. I appreciated that Jim took his mentorship seriously to help me become a better writer.

We went on to meet at the same café once more. The 6 month period was spent on writing and revising in-between critique sessions. Our last meeting was in Virginia City where he got to go over my manuscripts one last time for a total of four meetings.

I came into this program with what I thought were three polished pieces. It's amazing how much improvement can still be made on it. Jim helped me tighten my story more than I thought possible. My stories now have a clearer focus and streamlined story arc. My mentor Jim is intuitive, smart, and helpful. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor than him!

The End

The final retreat, held in Virginia City, was a nice way to cap my six-month long mentorship program. The weekend was spent listening to speakers (mentors), getting final critiques, socializing, and having fun.

Some of the fun things we did was tour historic downtown Virginia City, drink wine, and eat chocolate! We also shared ghost stories. After all, a weekend at the haunted St. Mary's Art and Retreat Center would not be complete without a ghost story.

At the final retreat, we all felt like one big happy family. The fact that our retreat took place in a haunted house made it feel more intimate. When things go bump in the night, you can't help but grow close very quickly.

The Attic of St. Mary's...BOO!

Because of the Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program, I've gained new insights to my writing, created memories, and made lasting friendships. It was an amazing experience!

2015-2016 SCBWI Nevada Mentees

Want to take part in the Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program?

Stay tuned for part II of my Nevada Mentorship Experience on how to apply, what to look for in a mentor, and general tips.

Wordsmith Anniversary!

Happy 3rd Anniversary, Wordsmith Studio!

For those of you who don't know, Wordsmith Studio is a place where creative minds go to get inspired and keep their creative muse entertained and challenged. There is a veranda for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and multi-media where you can hang out as you please. You can read more about their mission on their website at www.wordsmithstudio.org. 

I've been a member of Wordsmith Studio since its inception in 2012. It all started on April 1, 2012 when I discovered Robert Brewer's 30-day Platform Challenge on Twitter. Many of the participants decided to keep the momentum going with the friendships that were formed. This led to the creation of Wordsmith Studio.

Artwork created by Khara House

For Wordsmith's 3rd Anniversary, Wordsmith is holding a reunion via a blog hop. Some of us have moved on to do other things, while others remained; some active, others (like me) pop in and out. The reunion is a wonderful idea because we get to see what others have been up to. 

Here's the 411 on me with Q and A provided by Wordsmith:

What are you writing?
I write nonfiction for children and picture books. Robert Brewer's Platform challenge and the support of Wordsmith helped me get out of my comfort zone to explore the kidlit community through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (to name a few). I've met some wonderful people in the kidlit community. If you are a picture book writer or are considering it, here are the groups I belong to that provide valuable resources for picture book writers. 

Kidlit 411
Sub It Club
GROG


What are you currently working on?
I've got at least 10 work-in-progress picture books in various stages. Some are simmering (waiting to be looked at with fresh eyes), some are cooking (currently in editing/revising mode), and some are being plated (in preparation for submission).  

I also critique fellow picture book writer's works on a regular basis. I belong to three critique groups and critique a minimum of 6 picture book manuscripts a month. Joining a critique group is one of the most important things I've done as a writer. In my blog, I write about the value of critique groups. 

Aside from writing and critiquing, I am constantly reading! I read picture books, both nonfiction and fiction. You can find me on Goodreads. Feel free to stop by and see what I'm reading.


What's the biggest thing you've learned from your writing?
1) The more you write, the greater your chances of finding that gem that will lead you to a contract. It's a subjective business so the more stories you have, the better your odds at finding the love connection between agent/editor and your manuscript.

2) It's all about numbers. I learned that my latest story is almost always better than the last one I've written. How many times have you written a story only to re-read it after a few years (or even months) have passed only to say, "Oh, this isn't as good as I thought it was." So keep writing!

Have you made any lasting connections through Wordsmith? (I added this question)
I have to give a shout-out to the friends I've made through Wordsmith. They are all kind and generous people. The friends I've formed a special bond with are:

Lauri Meyers- my fellow picture book writer and Wonder Twin. We hang out in the same kidlit community, shop at the same kidlit stores, and have similar taste in books. She knows my inner most darkest secrets. Okay, not really. I don't have any secrets, but she knows how I think and how I write. She critiques me...in a good way.

Jennifer Chow- my Asian inspiration. I had the opportunity to meet up with Jennifer when she visited San Francisco. Jennifer, Amy, and I got together for lunch to get to know one another. Her award-winning novel, 228 LEGACY, inspired me to write a cultural nonfiction picture book.

Amy Pabalan- my close friend (yes, real close that we live only a few miles from each other) and adviser. We try to meet every so often to talk shop, talk about life in general, and get inspired. I feel so blessed to have met Amy through Wordsmith. She's my buddy, my home-away-from-home kinda gal. When I need a break from writing, we get together for tea (coffee for her).

Lori Sailiata- my Hawaiian sistah from anothah mistah! She lives on Oahu, where I'm from. I had the opportunity to meet Lori in person too when I went back home to Hawaii. She is the co-owner, content creator, and new media strategist at Hawaii Content Marketing. She and Amy have been so helpful and supportive when my e-Book came out. They introduced me to Twitterview. Lori is my go-to person for my author platform questions.




Wordsmith Studios- where connections are made. Thanks for stopping by!

Curious about what Wordsmith Studio has to offer? Want to see what other Wordsmith Studio members are up to? Then check out the link below.




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Confessions of a Writer #2: So Close Yet So Far

I have a confession to make.

Lately, I've been plagued by doubt, fear, and nonsense talk.

You've heard of the saying, "So close yet so far."

Well I'm all too familiar with the phrase.

Image courtesy of Digital Arts at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So many times I've fallen short of something grand. Here are a few examples:

1. SCBWI Barbara Karlin Grant

In 2011 I applied for the Barbara Karlin Grant. I was young in my career. You know the writer's high of a newbie where for every contest, every submission you are already dreaming of celebrating before you get the notice. Well, imagine my excitement when I received the letter in the mail. As I read the first line of the letter, my emotions skyrocketed with the words, "I am writing to present you with…(wait…for…it…)… this LETTER OF MERIT for your submission, I'M A MONSTER TOO!" My emotional high descended. I read on, "…you did not win the grant…" My heart plummeted. "…but the judges felt your proposal deserved extra recognition." And there it was. My emotion, suspended in air for a brief moment.

So close yet so far…

2. SCBWI Conference Critique by V.P. of Scholastics

In 2013 I attended the International SCBWI conference in LA and had the opportunity to sit down with the V.P. of Scholastics for a critique. In her words, "…this [my ms] is what we're looking for. I want you to revise your manuscript per my comments… I want you to send this to me…do you have an agent? You need an agent…I will recommend you to some who are here today…" STOP right there! Not so easy. I've been trying to get an agent since. Imagine the thought of having an editor waiting for you, but you can't get through the door. 

So close yet so far…

3. New Voice Contest by Lee & Low

This is the latest contest I entered. I didn't win. Surprise. Surprise. BUT I was sent a nice letter with nice comments from the editor stating that I was among the finalist. This news didn't disappoint me too much because by now I've developed a tough skin. But it's the thought of being…

So close yet so far…

And then there's this: 

From Rate Your Story

A visual reminder of where I stand. Great. Story of my life. I received a few of the #2 ratings and I can't help but feel that life has a wicked sense of humor.

So close yet so far…

Can you imagine the torture? I don't mean to sound ungrateful, because I'm not. I'm very pleased at how far I've come. I'm just saying that the feeling of closeness is a big teaser for me.

I'll be honest, I have a full time job with two active kids with busy schedules of their own. As a mom, their schedule is added to my already busy schedule. But I make time between sporting events, during lunch breaks, in the wee hours of the night, and hours in between. I continue honing my craft. I take classes, read, write, get involved with writing groups on social media to stay informed. With all the hard work and effort put into my writing, I find myself questioning my writing career.

Do I want to pursue this?

(doubt)

How much longer can I subject myself to rejection?

(fear)

Is this all for naught?

(nonsense talk)

Then I ask myself WHY do I write? 

The answer is simple.

I enjoy writing. 

Then I remind myself:

I enjoy writing because my inner spirit is released. There is still that kid in me wanting to explore and share a world of wonder. Writing is also like a vacation for me. I get to travel anywhere my imagination takes me.  I may question my writing future, but quit? I can't. Quitting is not in my vocabulary. As far as I think I am, there was always a word of encouragement and validation that I am a good writer. This gives me more determination to pursue what I love and that is to write.

Whenever I find myself questioning myself I look at this picture: 

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." -- Winston Churchill

  

Crossing the PiBoIdMo Finish Line!

I did it!

I crossed the finish line!

My First Marathon- The 2006 Honolulu Marathon

No, not another marathon.

Better.

I completed Tara Lazar's annual PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) with not 30, but 32 ideas!

Woot!

Winnah, winnah, SUSHI dinnah!

I love sushi. 

Coming up with ideas wasn't easy. I splashed in puddles, tumbled through a pile of leaves, and slid down slides, narrower than my hips to find my ideas.

What does it mean to cross the finish line? You can read about my first marathon and find out how that transformed me. But that's a different story.

Completing the PiBoIdMo challange means I belong to a select group of writers, armed with 30 ideas. But crossing the finish line doesn't end there. The real challenge is to transform the ideas into completed stories. 

Who is ready for the next challenge?

Meet My Character

I've been tagged by my good friend Jennifer Chow for the Meet My Character Blog Hop!

I love blog hops, but sometimes life gets too busy so I have to pick my battles. With my busy schedule and limited time, I try to focus more on my writing. Well, this blog hop was particularly interesting because the questions asked is great for character development of future works-in-progress. I thought I'd take advantage of the opportunity and practice answering these questions. It is also an opportunity for me to introduce you to the character of my new eBook, RUNNING BOY.

Jennifer is the author of The 228 Legacy, a 2013 Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year Finalist in the multicultural category. You can meet the character of Jennifer's upcoming book, Seniors' Sleuth on her blog at Jennifer J. Chow.

On to my character questions:

1. What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

RUNNING BOY is about a fictional character named Markus who is 8-years-old and is loosely based on a true story of my son. 

2. When and where is the story set?

The story takes place in Markus' neighborhood where we find him running to the playground, the park, the beach, and the redwoods. 

3. What should we know about him/her?

Markus loves to run! He runs so much that the neighborhood kids call him Running Boy. He is a free-spirited boy who enjoys being outdoors and is full of energy and life. 

4. What is the main conflict? 

RUNNING BOY is a concept story that builds on the curiosity of the neighborhood kids. Markus, who is Running Boy, keeps on running and each time he passes a friend, they can't help but ask, "Running Boy, why are you running?" Markus is not about to stop so the kids end up following him on his run.

5. What is the personal goal of the character?

Markus keeps on running. What he wants is for the neighborhood kids to join him and find out for themselves why he runs.

6. Is there a working title for this book, and can we read more about it?

RUNNING BOY was written in 2005. Yes, you read right. That was 9 years ago! I the story idea came to me during my training for the Honolulu Marathon. It was also a time when my eldest son started running and I was looking for a picture book on running for kids and could not find any so I wrote one! 

7. When can we expect the book to be published?

I'm glad you asked! RUNNING BOY has just been released on June 9, 2014 by MeeGenius. The eBook can be viewed on iPad,  iOS, Android, Windows 8, Amazon , Nook, and the web. It's so great to finally see my story in pictures! 

I hope RUNNING BOY will instill the love for running in the hearts of children. For you runners with young kids, I hope you join me in sharing the wonders of running with our children.

It's summer time so what better time to get excited about running & reading!

I’m tagging Rebecca Colby, to continue this Meet My Characters Blog Tour. Rebecca is the author of There was a Wee Lassie who swallowed a Midgie. Stop by her website on June 30th to see what she’s working on!

Writing is...

        Happiness  

Created by Romelle via Tagxedo.com

Valentine's Day is a time when I reflect on the things that make me happy and give me comfort:

Chocolate covered strawberries  

Hot Chai tea latte

Gourmet macaroni and cheese
Running
My family & friends
Being outdoors in the sunshine

Fluffy slippers

    A warm hug from my boys
A playful puppy

Fresh flowers and

                                                     WRITING!

Writing delves deep into my right brain, releasing the ideas that is waiting to pour out onto paper.

Writing is like exhaling.  It releases clutter in my mind and quiets my inside world.

Writing is an escape that transports me to a place of wonder and delight.

Writing is meditation.  It brings me to my happy place, childlike in nature.

Writing is creative energy that is connected to my soul.  So as the ideas flow, my heart dances.  Like dance, my writing is an expression of my self.


My inner most thoughts are waiting to be exposed and only through writing can it be expressed.      

                                    Writing is my life. 

What does writing mean to you?

Judge a Person By His Books

You can tell a lot about a person by the books they purchase. Don't you agree? 

Well I recently attended a Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Walnut Creek Library in California. 

I love rummaging through used books because it's like digging into a treasure chest. You'll never know what you'll find. 

In the short hour that I had, I managed to walk away with 8 books all for only $8! If I had more time to spend, I'm sure I'd spend more than that. 

Anyway, here are the books I took home and what they tell about me and my family:

My 13-year-old dreams of going to Stanford. I thought he'd appreciate this lovely coffee book all about the history of Stanford. If he plans to go there, it might be a good idea to be proficient at its history.

This dusty cover caught my attention because it was written and illustrated by one of my favorite authors, Shel  Silverstein! It also so happens that it is the 50th anniversary of Shel Silverstein's very first children's book, Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back, which was published in 1963. I read through this book in an hour. It's full of good laughs in a twisted kind of way. I think Shel Silverstein was ahead of his time. This was written before the term "quirky" was a buzz word in the writing industry. This one is a keeper! 

One of my favorite childhood memory is huddling around a campfire sharing scary stories when I was in 4th grade. It was my first camping trip ever and it was with my school. So it was also my first time away from home. I thought it would be fun to reacquaint myself with some of these stories so I can practice my spooky story-telling voice with my kids. That will be a scream!

When I was a child my dad made me read the Reader's Digest during my summers. He was adamant about me improving my vocabulary. So now it's my turn to pass on the torch to my kids. I thought this would be more fun than the Reader's Digest. This book contains puzzles, games, and brain ticklers  to make learning new words much more enjoyable. 

How can I pass up a comic book of one of my favorite cartoonist, Gary Larson. I always look forward to the Sunday comics. Now I can prescribe myself some comic relief without having to wait for Sunday to arrive. But I have a feeling I'm going to have to pry this out of the hands of my boys.

Of course, I had to pick up a reference book for myself. As a writer, this will come in very handy. I know I can use the online thesaurus, but I still prefer a book right next to me. Besides, did you know that when I used the online thesaurus for the word "happy" and compared it to the results in this book, the Descriptive Word Finder gave me better choices (IMHO) for the word "happy"? I am exuberant about this find!

My boys asked me to pick out a book for them. I picked up this book because I thought they would enjoy the cool facts about the history of more than 1000 people, events, places, and things. What they don't know is that I really got this book for myself. Think of all the possible story ideas and articles I could write about from the inspiration of this book!

WWJD: What Would Jesus Do? I feel so blessed to have God as the center of my life and am even more thrilled that I can share the joy with my children. My eldest is 13-years-old and the teen years can be a challenging time for some. As I thumbed through the pages of this book, I discovered a wealth of life lessons that my son can learn from. It will help him deal with challenging situations and help him make good choices if he ever faces difficult situations that teenagers encounter. This book shares real stories from real teenagers and how they dealt with the problems they faced and how their experiences can help others. I have yet to read it, but I have a feeling this is going to be a good book.

There you have it. Eight books. Eight facts about me and my family. What do your book choices say about you? Check out your bookshelf and share.

In the meantime, I highly recommend you attend a library book sale. You'll be 1) helping your community library fund itself, 2) saving yourself money, and 3) be surprised at the treasures you will find.